Slot Misconceptions

By Gayle Mitchell

No basic slots education would be complete without the 10 biggest misconceptions about the game. For each one, I am adding an explanation to show how they stand up to the facts.
 
Misconception #1: Someone hits a jackpot at the machine you were just playing; that could have been your jackpot!
This is not true, because of that random number generator (RNG) in the slot machine. It is constantly in motion, picking different number combinations.
Even when the machine is idle, the RNG is always in motion--faster than you can pull the handle or press that spin button. Don’t be afraid to leave a slot machine because you think this might happen to you. Think about this instead. Do blackjack players worry about who is going to sit in their seat after they leave the table? Of course not. Be ready to find another slot, don’t dally, and move on.

Misconception #2: The casinos can flip a switch to make machines tight or loose.
No. Generally, only the slot manufacturer can make any changes to a slot machine. These changes must be recorded and witnessed by the Gaming Commission if done by an in house representative other than the slot mfg. It is not worth the casino’s consideration and definitely now worth their license being revoked if done illegally.

Misconception #3: Hot coins mean the machine will win and cold coins mean a cold machine.
The only reason a machine has hot coins is because of the lights near the hopper.

Misconception #4: If an attendant or mechanic opens your machine, it will stop paying.
Usually, a machine is opened to correct a problem or to refill the hopper with coins. Sometimes a slot mechanic will give a player two or three free pulls—especially if the player is polite. However, if stopping for a mechanic makes you lose your rhythm, you have two choices: when the mechanic is done, play another three pulls deciding whether to stay or leave; or, leave as soon as your play is interrupted.

Misconception #5: Higher denomination slots have more payouts.
All machines are preprogrammed with payout percentages. Higher denominations ($5+) have a higher hit frequency; but it’s all relative when you pay in or invest more from your gambling bankroll.
Start with quarter machines that account for 25% of total slots revenue and are the most popular slots.

Misconception #6: Players should play less than maximum coins until the machine starts to pay.
This myth really scares me, because it goes against basic slot-playing strategy and could be very costly to the player. Remember, the RNG does not know if you are putting in one coin or three. You gain no advantage by trying to pump or prime that slot machine for the jackpot, because you have no idea when that jackpot will be.
The next symbol combination to come up has already been determined after you press ‘spin’. If you can’t afford to play maximum coins, drop down to a lower-priced machine.

Misconception #7: Players should move up to higher denomination machines in hopes of better payoffs.
This is the reverse of Misconception #6 and can be very costly, too, because you can lose more money at a faster rate.

Misconception #8: You’ve put so much money into a machine that it must be ready to hit. You deserve to win!
Yes, you do deserve to win, but the length of time a slot is played without winning has no bearing on its readiness to pay. Any slot can go months or a year without paying its top jackpot. It maintains its programmed payoff percentage rate by paying smaller wins.

Misconception #9: Machines pay better if you use a casino slot club card.
Tell that to the RNG! It doesn’t know what a slot card is, and it certainly doesn’t care if you use one. Besides, the program that calculates points on your club card in entirely separate from the RNG program.

Misconception #10: Play the machines nearest the doors or aisles.
While you may be more comfortable in these seats, the we know what and where the best slots are located.

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Gayle Mitchell is author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, EBooks, booklets & Slots Trilogy. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed